Jack Munro, Labour Leader, Video

Munro’s entry into the forest industry as a machinist, welder, and millwright quickly exposed him to the alarming lack of safety prioritization, with production taking precedence. Witnessing over 700 fatalities in the 1950s spurred him to action, leading to his active involvement with the International Woodworkers of America (IWA). Starting as a job steward, he swiftly ascended to become a business agent, driven by his unwavering concern for the high incidence of injuries and deaths.

A defining moment in his career was the 1967, 224-day strike by three IWA locals. This pivotal action aimed to achieve wage parity for coastal woodworkers, a successful endeavor that significantly benefited union members. Munro continued to rise through the IWA ranks, becoming the third vice president in 1968, and eventually assuming the presidency of the union in 1973.

As president, Munro championed the belief that health and safety initiatives must originate at the job site. He appointed a vice president to oversee safety programs, collaborated closely with various operations, and conducted seminars to educate members on safety committees and hazards. Despite initial resistance from employers who were focused on production, a joint safety fund was eventually negotiated, leading to a greater understanding of responsible safety operations within the industry.

In the mid-1980s, Munro led the union through a challenging but successful strike to protect members’ jobs against contracting out and to improve pension plans. Under his leadership, workplace safety committees gained significant prominence, becoming instrumental in creating safer work environments.

Jack Munro retired from the IWA in 1992 after four decades, reflecting on a fulfilling career. In retirement, Munro established the BC Labour Heritage Centre and championed many of our earliest initiatives.

This video was produced in a partnership between WorkSafeBC and the BC Labour Heritage Centre.